Sue Jones reports on the Wimbledon Disarmament Coalition/CND event commemorating the 76th anniversary of the nuclear bombing in Hiroshima.

‘We met, as we have done for many years, at Rushmere Pond on Wimbledon Common. We were so lucky that the rain passed and it stayed dry, though windy.

Gill McCall set up our Peace Table near the pond, and conducted a Masterclass in making origami paper boats, with adults and children queueing up to make their own, each with a nightlight, for floating on the pond after the short ceremony. Despite the wind, the candles on some of the boats stayed alight and they reached the far side of the pond.

‘Group member William Rhind led the proceedings. The Rev. Alison Judge, a local vicar, read from the Beatitudes - 'Blessed are the Peacemakers' was particularly relevant, and ended with the poem 'Let us be Midwives', by Sadako Kurihara. Kevin O'Brien from Merton & Sutton Trades Council, and himself a former nurse, spoke about the obscene waste of money on Trident, and the increase in nuclear warheads, especially when NHS workers are being offered so little.

Alison Williams read 'Chernobyl' by Fay Roberts, and William Rhind read ‘I come and Stand at every Door’ by Nazim Hikmet Ran, on behalf of our Chair, Maisie Carter. We were delighted that Maisie was able to be present. Having just celebrated her 94th birthday, she's our shining light!’